The website is up and is going through the ‘testing phase’’, All the ladies at Indian Women in Hospitality wanted it to be live on 8^th March, International Women’s Day. My thoughts were that it had to be running ‘full fledged’ on that day. So it was up on 1^st March 2018.  I requested everyone to check it out as I needed their suggestions and feedback ; I too am was trying to get a hang of it. The response from people who have seen it is extremely positive and encouraging. I guess we all need that; apart from a bit of oxygen and other basics of life. I was asking the ladies to start thinking of their own participation on the page. Each one would be required to be a part of the website as well; through their contributions in the form of interviews, sharing articles, write ups, new initiatives in their organisations. There was also a thought to start nominating different organisations and people so that it became a place for knowledge sharing. I know we all are busy, but my belief is sparing a few minutes would be totally worth it! and we must go for the Girl Power! Am not gender biased, let me clarify that but we ladies can create magic when we all are connected on one belief. It was a reminder that this was a place for learning from each other. That’s how we mentor and empower, isn’t it?  Since we have started this initiative, we must make it of great value! and I thought together we could.

I am truly humbled at the same time overwhelmed with the support pouring in from many quarters but I am taking each step slowly as I believe; you must do things that’ll steer you towards your vision. Connected with some amazing ladies; who expressed their appreciation and offered support. We are on track!

Since the 1^st of March, the papers have been speaking about the International Womens Day. Over the years I have found it to be not having any meaning unless we go out and make a difference! In our personal and  professional lives, making our work environments healthier at the same time productive for women (and men) leading to a change gradually in our communities and the society. That’ll be the real celebration! Cakes, lunches, outings and selfies are mere eye washes otherwise. Have fun but also do something that doesn’t get restricted to just one day.

Adding another perspective to this was a message I received from Asmita Desai, quoting her here, “We will be soon celebrating International Women’s day, the Internet and social media will be flooded with empowering messages and so on! I am not against this one day dedicated to womanhood; my point is being a woman itself is a celebration and every woman around us is unique and special, she has her own battles to fight. My question is do we care or acknowledge this? As women do we treat each other with dignity and humanity? I often hear most women cribbing about either their boss or colleague (mostly women), someone in the family (again mostly women) and the list is endless and I wonder why? why are we not at peace with our own gender, the reason might be anything, however, this is something which we women need to re look at and think about, are we getting too critical or judgmental about each other? Have we forgotten that we all are strong and talented and if we embrace each other life would be so easy, I think it will get a lot of positivity into our lives so on this women’s day I urge each and every woman reading this to change the way we look at women around us and practice empathy with each other, if we start treating all women around us like sisters and daughters imagine how wonderful the world will be”!

I told her that she was so very right, also right was this platform, we are all women and we have no interest other than celebrating who we are and acknowledging the efforts of others, applauding the benchmarks achieved by the other women. Also we connect to mentor and empower others to achieve their best potentials. Every time any one of the ladies connects with me; there comes  so much of positivity and optimism; this is just the beginning and am sure we’ll grow from strength to strength. We defy certain universal ‘beliefs’ and we’re loving it! To mark the International Women’s Day ; the IWH will have a truly inspiring story! The story of a lady who is a pioneer and  a revered innovator.